THE COMPREHENSIVE AWARENESS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING ACT OF 2006 09/14/2006 For the first time in the history of the United States, a bill to specifically provide Federal funding for problem gambling services has been introduced. HR 6009, the Comprehensive Awareness of Problem Gambling Act of 2006, was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Friday, July 28 by Rep. Marty Meehan (D-MA). Massachusetts
Congressman Meehan from Lowell is leading the effort. He has worked closely with the Council to learn about problem gambling, and make his case for Federal support. His conviction is that the response from all levels of government to combat gambling addiction pales in comparison to the research and treatment dollars that go toward alcohol and drug addictions.
His proposed legislation will narrow this gap, incorporating gambling into existing research done by the federal government, and making federal funds available for gambling addiction treatment centers. Highlights of the bill and Congressman Meehan’s 4-Point Gambling Addiction Plan include:
1. Increased Public Awareness -- The Congressman feels the stigma surrounding gambling addiction is a main reason that the government has not acted. He wants to help change public opinion through awareness campaigns. Similar campaigns for drug and alcohol addiction - as evidenced by new effective campaigns against methamphetamines - have shown success in the fight to combat those addictions and change public opinion.
2. Increased Research on Gambling Addiction -- Congress created the National Gambling Impact Study Commission in 1999 to study the social and economic impacts of gambling, and to make recommendations for federal and state government action. A main recommendation was to include gambling in existing federal research, at agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. The Meehan plan would implement these recommendations. These new studies - further confirming the links between problem gambling and substance use, crime and suicide - will not only benefit the public health community in treating gambling addiction, but will also help change public opinion.
3. The Creation of a Federal Grant Program to Treat Gambling Addiction -- The Meehan plan would create a $10 million grant program to assist treating problem gambling locally. The program would award competitive grants to local agencies - both local and state governments - or non-profit agencies, to operate treatment facilities.
4. Increased State Involvement -- States receive billions of dollars in gambling profits every year, but spend only a small fraction of that to help problem gamblers. The Meehan plan would call on all states to set aside a defined percentage of gambling profits for treatment. States that do not comply would face losing federal funding, just as states do if they do not mandate 21 as the legal drinking age.
The Council is grateful to Congressman Meehan for his leadership, his initiative, and his dedication to providing problem gambling services. We are proud to be affiliated with his important initiative. You Can Help In order to make this important bill become a law, your support is needed. Please contact your U.S. Representative for his or her support.
For more information, including instructions on how to contact representatives, letter templates, and phone and e-mail scripts, please download our Legislative Action Kit or contact the Council at 617-426-4554. |